The Loop: Plan a Visit to the Mint Museum Uptown

What to Expect: Hands on Family Gallery, Interactive Activities for Children, Summer Camps, Admissions Discounts, Easy Parking & Public Transportation Options, No Food on Site But Plenty of Options Nearby

Teaching kids the virtue of art and the meaningful experiences that accompany it, whether you’re the one creating or appreciating, is a valuable lesson that can open doors and help promote confidence, joy, and important skillsets in development.

The Mint Museum Uptown offers families these opportunities in an interactive and inviting setting. Particularly, the Lewis Family Gallery, a large closed off space on the first floor of the museum, provides a hands on environment for creating art, engaging in building and puzzle challenges, posing for pictures, and more. This room is open during regular museum hours and can be an oasis for young artists or even families who want to enjoy a museum experience but are not quite ready to roam the galleries.

Be the first to know.

No one covers what is happening in our community better than we do. And with a digital subscription, you'll never miss a local story.

There are plenty of activities for kids and families throughout the museum.

Roaming the galleries on the upper floors of the Museum will spark conversation, incite interest, and inspire young artists. Families are welcome at this Museum with activities, camps, and classes throughout the year. Heading Uptown for a museum experience can be intimidating, but a visit to the Mint Museum is well worth the effort. Whether you stay for an hour or three, there’s plenty to see.

The Familiy Room at the Mint Museum Uptown offers plenty of hands-on activities.

Charlotte

Good to Know Before You Go:

Free Wednesday Admission: Admission to Mint Museum Randolph and Mint Museum Uptown are both free on Wednesday evenings, from 5PM-9PM

Museums on Us: The Mint Museum participates in the Bank of America “Museums on Us” program. Each Bank of America cardholder gets one free general admission on the first full weekend of every month. More details here.

ArtVentures: Investigate the museum galleries with an ARTventure postcard. ARTventures takes kids on a self-guided visit exploring a variety of fun themes. Pick up a copy at the "Mint for Families" station outside the Lewis Family Gallery or print one online.

Where to Eat Nearby: The Museum does not have an onsite restaurant, but there are a plethora of choices nearby. Check out one of the delis surrounding The Green, Fuel Pizza, Salsaritas, American Roadside Burgers, and more. Most of these eateries are within a block or two.

Public Transportation: The closest light rail stop is the Stonewall Station. Though even the 7th Street stop is walkable on a pleasant day.

Time: Plan to spend anywhere from 1 hour to 4 hours, depending on how long your little artist spends creating masterpieces in the Lewis Family Gallery. There’s also a wonderful gift shop that’s worth visiting.

Other Venues Nearby: Be sure to visit The Green, a one and a half acre park across the street on Tryon. This pocket park with a literary theme is a gem surrounded by inspiration, fountains, and food.

Location:

Levine Center for the Arts (Between Stonewall & 1st)

500 South Tryon Street

Charlotte, NC 28202

Admission (See “Good to Know Before You Go” for discount days) :

Adults $12; College Students /Seniors $9; Children 5-17 $6; Children 4 and under: Free

Hours (Check Website for Holiday Closings):

Mon-Tues CLOSED; Wed 11AM-9PM; Thurs-Sat 11AM-6PM; Sun 1-5PM

Parking:

Parking is available in the Levine Center for the Arts Parking Garage located on Stonewall Street between Tryon and Church Streets. Parking is also available at The Green located on South Tryon Street. Discounted parking rates for the Center for the Arts Parking Garages are:

Request a parking voucher while visiting the museum to receive the above rates. Non-validated tickets will pay the regular parking rates. These reduced rates apply to visitors parking at the Center for the Arts garage on the visitor levels (P1 and P2).

On Carolina Panthers game day Sundays, Childress Klein will charge a $20 fee to park in the decks below Levine Center for the Arts. Mint guests will be exempt from the charge as long as they inform the attendants upon entering the garage. Guests need to pay the regular flat weekend fee of $5 to park for the afternoon.

After you park your vehicle, head for the Plaza Elevators (as opposed to the Tower Elevators). The P★ level will take you to the street level and the Gift Shop. The 2 level will take you to the Café and the Entry Gallery to the museum.